TPA News – February 2016

Latest Prog News – taken from across the progressive rock spectrum and continually updated throughout February 2016.

29/02/16: Steve Hackett in conversation

Steve discusses his illustrious career in music with DMU’s Dr Paul Gosling, producer and director of various Hackett video projects, followed by a Q and A session with the audience. There is also an exclusive performance by DMU Dance BA students, performing to ‘Corycian Fire’. Click here for ticket info

Steve Hackett “in conversation” will take place at The Sue Townsend Theatre, Upper Brown Street, Leicester – on Friday 4th March 2016 (7:30 to 8:30). Doors: 7:00 and there’s a bar available. Visit the TPA UK Gig Guide for this date and more.

27/02/16: GEP announce debut album from Southern Empire

“Formed by Sean Timms after the dis-banding of Unitopia, Southern Empire will astound the listener with great songs, amazing musicianship and a harder, more edgy sound perfectly suited to today’s generation.”

26/02/16: iamthemorning release video for the song “Chalk and Coal”

It was announced last month (read more HERE on TPA) that Kscope were set to release the brand new studio album Lighthouse from Russian duo iamthemorning. The new album will feature guest appearances from Gavin Harrison, Colin Edwin and Mariusz Duda. The band have today issued a new lyric video for the song Chalk and Coal from the album…

Commenting on the track vocalist arjana Semkina said: “Chalk and Coal is in a way a final milestone on the album. It is the darkest one and in a way it is very representative for ‘Lighthouse’ in general, since it is a very cross-genre piece of music that eventually turns into something rather eclectic. Some dark jazz influence in used diminished chords and trumpet solo, glitched drums, all of that is rather new for us. Mood-wise it was inspired by David Bowie’s ‘Sue (Or in a Season of Crime).’ Lyrically it represents the final twist of the album story-line, the final breakdown.”

26/02/16: The Fierce And The Dead release Magnet on vinyl

TFATD will release the Magnet EP on vinyl next month – and will be the first record released on Crate Digger Records. Released in 2015, the Magent EP – (read TPA’s review HERE) – will be released on 18th March as a limited edition vinyl.

The band have added the rehearsal recording of Chief to finish the record.

“TFATD brought in close friend Mark Buckingham, acclaimed artist with credits with Marvel, DC and Neil Gaiman, to create an original piece of art to be printed on the B-side of the record.”

The Aristocrats (Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann) have announced that they will be joining Joe Satriani and Steve Vai for a number of G3 concert dates this summer. The highly-anticipated run will kick off in Italy on 2nd July 2016.

Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann will be kept busy, as in addition to rocking out in their own band they will also form the rhythm section for Joe Satriani and the end of show G3 jam.

The band said: “We are all extremely excited and absolutely honored to be sharing the bill with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai for this run of G3 shows. We have a tremendous amount of respect for Joe and Steve as groundbreaking artists in the world of instrumental rock who continue to bring it year after year. It will be a special privilege to bring our subversive brew of Aristocratic musical mayhem to the G3 stage – and especially the G3 audience. Let the games begin!”

23/02/16: [Morse]fest III to feature all past and present members performing Snow

All former and current member’s of Spock’s Beard are to perform Snow in its entirety at this year’s [Morse]fest. Now in it’s third year, [Morse]fest will take place on 1st & 2nd July 2016 in Nashville.

“We have been kicking around the idea of doing Snow together for quite some time. Morsefest seems like the perfect place to do it as it’s been so successful and well run and it’s a great environment! This year feels like the right time, and I’m looking forward to playing with the gang again as well as Jimmy and Ted and I hope it’s a great blessing to many people.”

22/02/16: Messenger launch first track from Threnodies

London based progressive, psychedelic outfit Messenger have launched the first track and artwork from their upcoming album Threnodies – scheduled for release, via InsideOut Music, on 22nd April. Balearic Blue is the first track to be released from the album 2016.

Commenting on the track: “We’re very excited to present a preview track from our forthcoming album ‘Threnodies’ as well as the cover artwork. The artwork and layout were created by Colombian, Berlin-based artist Daniel Correa Mejia. We were mesmerised by his paintings and decided that his work fits perfectly with our music. ‘Balearic Blue’ is more along the lines of our previous release ‘Illusory Blues‘, so expect something different for the next track.”

The band have announced a series of UK dates for March, kicking off at Norwich’s Waterfront – visit the TPA Gig Guide for the UK shows.

22/02/16: Riverside’s Piotr Grudzinski dies suddenly

In a brief statement – Riverside have posted the following: “In our deepest pain and disbelief, we would like to inform you that our dearest friend and brother Piotr Grudzinski has passed away this morning. We kindly ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends.”

No further details are available as yet, although there are reports that Piotr attended the The Winery Dogs, Warsaw gig over the weekend – according to a tweet by that band’s drummer, Mike Portnoy.

The band were looking forward to announcing a number of surprises for 2016, including new releases and tour dates which were scheduled for April.

Perhaps a simple tribute to Piotr is this remixed version of Time Travellers…

20/02/16: Voyag3r to release second album in April

Detroit instrumental, synth-heavy rock trio Voyag3r (Voyager 3) return with their 2nd full-length album, entitled “Are You Synthetic?”. The 13-track album will be released worldwide via Bellyache Records and Battle Chamber Music on 8th April 2016.

“Are You Synthetic?” is the follow-up to 2014’s “Doom Fortress” and once again features album art by Detroit-based artist and Acid Witch singer Slasher Dave. The band have offered up Raise Your Shields as the first taster from Are You Synthetic?

Voyag3r bring their blend of Synth/Space/Progressive/Rock to new heights with this ambitious concept album, which covers remote corners of metaphysics, theoretical space destinations, humanity’s origins and destiny, and plenty of music fit for vengeful/horrific space battles.

18/02/16: Jolly release animated video

New York City progressive/alternative rock group JOLLY has teamed up with PopMatters.com to launch the first clip in a series of animated shorts called The JOLLYSHOW. In this first episode, entitled “JOLLY Kills Steven Wilson,” things get messy when the lovable but naïve JOLLY unknowingly meets its progressive rock idol, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree).

Jolly’s Louis Abramson commented: “The progressive rock community is truly a special one. There are so many nuances that only those on the inside could understand. We decided to pay homage and show our love to the prog world in the best way we know how – by making fun of it. The beauty about the prog community is that everyone could take a joke, or at least we hope! But really, we do believe that people will see our nonsense as an act of love. Any fan of JOLLY knows that Steven Wilson is a huge influence on us.”

SOURCE: Fresno Media

18/02/16: Redemption release new song from forthcoming album

Redemption release the title track from their The Art Of Loss album, set for release on 26th February 2016 through Metal Blade.

17/02/16: dBL moving forward with second album

The band recently returned to the Riverfish Studios in Penzance, Cornwall to continue work on their second album – with the possibility that it could be finished by summer 2016. Dworniak Bone Lapsa released their first studio album, Fingers Pointing At The Moon in 2014 – read TPA’s review HERE.

Commenting on the yet untitled second album Greg Bone says: “The flavour of this album is maybe a bit more folky than Fingers Pointing At The Moon but the colouring is definitely in line with our core sound.”.

The band are planning a number of live shows and have collaborated with Cornish visual artist Roger Thorp for the first instalment of the filmic backdrop to enhance the visual aspect of the performances.

Mortalman is the opening track from Fingers Pointing At The Moon and features Robert Wyatt on trumpet.

16/02/16: Knifeworld announce album launch gig and album teaser

Knifeworld launch album teaser for their forthcoming release, Bottled Out Of Eden, scheduled for release on 22nd April 2016 through InsideOut Music.

The band have also revealed a special album launch show to be held at London’s Bush Hall on the 12th May 2016 – tickets go on sale tomorrow -17th February -10:00. Visit the TPA Gig Guide for this show and much more from across the prog spectrum.

16/02/16: King Crimson add extra tour dates

King Crimson have announced that they are extending their European tour with additional dates at Hamburg’s Mehr! Theater in Germany. The new dates will take place at the end of the tour at Hamburg Mehr! Theater on 3 & 4 October 2016. The full list of dates can be found HERE on TPA.

“With tickets for this tour rapidly selling out anyone interested in attending are urged to grab these shows when they go on sale on Thursday this week.”

16/02/16: Trettioåriga Kriget to release a new studio album

As revealed in the TPA News October 2015 – Sweden’s Trettioåriga Kriget will release their latest (but slightly delayed) studio album on 14th March 2016 – and follows recent news of the re-release of their 1981 Kriget album.

Seaside Air was recorded during summer and autumn 2015 in Stockholm. It contains seven new original songs, most of them written by Stefan Fredin and all with lyrics by Olle Thörnvall. For the first time in the long history of Kriget, the entire album is in English, which should guarantee a new level of interest among the band’s very international fanbase.

Following the album trilogy that Trettioåriga Kriget (translates as The Thirty Years War) released between 2004 and 2011, and which formed the band’s autobiography, Seaside Air is a relaxed, self-assured album. It has a pronounced pop/rock feel to it, as if these Swedish masters of progressive music have finally allowed themselves to indulge in their childhood’s love of the Beatles. The songs are very strong, melodic and immediately accessible without losing the depth and complexity for which the band is so well known.

Seaside Air is a phrase that could refer to the famously invigorating atmosphere of the band’s native Saltsjöbaden, but it could also mean “a melody by the sea”, full of light and colour. A very warm sound permeates this new album from Trettioåriga Kriget, an album in which the band reinvents itself once again, and creates great new music by looking back on its history.

Seaside Air is out on March 14th; pre-order the album now and get a download code for a free bonus track “Twilight.” The album will be housed in a beautiful digipack with artwork designed by Johan Gullberg.

15/02/16: GEPH discuss tracks from debut album

Boston (MA) based instrumental progressive jazz metal trio GEPH, featuring Josh Goldberg and John Tyler Kent on Chapman Stick, and Josh Merhar on drums, are set to release their eponymous debut album on 29th March 2016. The band have uploaded this video in which they discuss the music.

GEPH will be released on 29th March 2016 – pre-ordering is available through Bandcamp.

15/02/16: Pauli Lyytinen to release solo album in March through Eclipse Music

Pauli Lyytinen boldly reinvents the sounds and techniques of the saxophone for his latest solo release – Machinery

“Pauli Lyytinen has already proven to be an innovative sax player in groups such as Elifantree, Raoul Björkenheim Ecstacy and Mikko Innanen 10+. Now, on his new solo album, he pushes his musicianship and his instrument to new limits. The album “Pauli Lyytinen Machinery” will be available as downloads and, more importantly, as a special edition CD+DVD. The DVD film beautifully captures Lyytinen’s intense live recording sessions and musical worlds.

The album has been recorded live with no overdubs of any kind. Lyytinen’s musical partner, in such bands as Equally Stupid and DEFEKT, Sigurdur Rögnvaldsson together with his partner Cansu A-R have captured Lyytinen’s performances into a beautiful DVD film including all of the album tracks.”

14/02/16: Gandalf’s Fist reveal “spoken word cast”

Gandalf’s Fist have announced the spoken word cast for their upcoming 3-CD concept album “The Clockwork Fable”. Mark Benton, Zach Galligan, Bill Fellows, Paul Barnhill, Tim Munro and Paul Kavanagh have been confirmed as the ‘players’ acting out the dramatic sections of the record, joining Alicia Marsh who reprises her duties from 2014’s acclaimed “A Forest of Fey” LP. Tead TPA’s review HERE.

The band have also confirmed that there are still yet-to-be-announced musical contributors on the record with a number of guest vocalists expected to portray the characters within the musical sections of the record. More info can be found HERE.

13/02/16: Mick Abrahams celebration concert to be held in May

“Mick Abrahams, the legendary founding guitarist with Jethro Tull, Blodwyn Pig and the Mick Abrahams Band, brings together musical friends old and new, for a night of celebration of his music.”

09/02/16: Hawkwind release new studio album in April

The Machine Stops is reported to be a concept album based on E.M. Forster’s dystopian vision of the future. The band previously announced a series of April UK dates, following on from their Hawkeaster weekend, where the album and concept would be performed “through a spectacular array of music, lights, dance and visual effects”… Visit the TPA Gig Guide for a list of all these dates (and more).

“An atmospheric, musical interpretation beginning in tunnels deep beneath the earth, where every need is controlled and catered for by the machine. The struggle to escape and find a way to reach the outer surface is a utopian dream, which could prove to be the most deadly dream of all.”

“Forster’s visionary masterpiece provides a chilling warning of the dangers of isolation, reliance on computer technology and the effects upon society.”

10/02/16: Sweden’s Progressive Circus festival takes place in April

Now in it’s third year, the one day Progressive Circus festival will take place in Malmö’s legendary Slagthuset on 9th April 2016.

“For PC16, legendary neo-proggers IQ celebrate 35 years with their first headline tour of Scandinavia. Anekdoten will co-headline, playing songs from throughout the career, including 2015’s masterpiece Until All The Ghosts Are Gone.”

Also appearing will be Me And My Kites, Soniq Circus and Atlas. “In 1979 Atlas released “Blå Vardag”, an instrumental album cherished by many vinyl collectors, with hints of Camel and Genesis. Then Atlas disbanded, but will make an exclusive reunion concert at PC16, after more than 35 years.”

The band will be touring Europe during April and May, including 4 dates in the UK – visit the TPA Gig Guide for the UK shows.

09/02/16: Haken announce fourth album release

Haken have announced the completion of their fourth full-length album, Affinity, which will be released on 29 April 2016 through InsideOut Music. The announcement was made via the band’s Facebook page was presented in the form of a somewhat obscure Haken OsV 4 0.1 link

Ross Jennings commented: “It is the most collaborative we have ever been on an album. We wanted to develop and expand our sound by having every member contribute initial ideas from the very beginning of the process. It naturally takes longer to filter through the mass of material and fit it all together coherently, but this approach has helped to create something completely fresh whilst maintaining the core elements of Haken’s sound.”

The follow-up to their well received The Mountain from 2013, Affinity sees the band call on Jens Bogren for mixing and mastering duties and will also feature a guest appearance from Leprous’ vocalist Einar Solberg.

The band are currently putting together European tour dates, with shows already announced in The Netherlands, Switzerland and The UK – visit the TPA Gig Guide for the UK shows.

09/02/16: Rick Wakeman to re-record Myths & Legends…

Rick Wakeman has announced that he is re-recording The Myths & Legends Of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table.

“To get this started, Rick is partnering with direct-to-fan company PledgeMusic and making available the opportunity to pre-order the new album. Through PledgeMusic, fans can also access special and exclusive offers including signed vinyl, CDs, posters and memorabilia…” All the details are on Rick’s PledgeMusic campaign page HERE.

Speaking of the new project Rick says: “It has always been in my mind to re-record and once again perform an extended version of King Arthur, as it has only ever been performed three times in the UK. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to do this and especially so with the help of the fans and my campaign on PledgeMusic… Continue reading HERE on TPA.

Visit the TPA UK Gig Guide for these and more dates from across the prog spectrum.

08/02/16: UK Ultimate Collector’s Edition – April release date

Eddie Jobson confirms the Ultimate Collector’s Edition UK box set will finally be released on 12th April 2016.

“The detailed contents, as reflected in the ‘Abbey Road’ video…” “…have now been officially released to the retailers. In addition to the highest quality remasters of U.K., Danger Money, Night After Night (with 50 minutes of additional music), as well as the Reunion double CD, there will be an interviews disc and an outtakes-and-extras disc, including Terry Bozzio and myself recording some of the drum parts on Danger Money, which is a lot of fun to listen to. I am also including four radio broadcasts – three of the original band performances with Bruford and Holdsworth, plus the final 1979 concert of the Jobson-Wetton-Bozzio trio performing in Holland; and I am preparing what may end up being four separate 16-page books containing 4 discs each, telling the complete story of UK. In terms of stereo audio, this will indeed be the definitive Ultimate Collector’s Edition.”

07/02/16: A.C.T release trailer for Trifles & Pandemonium DVD

Sweden’s A.C.T who returned in 2014 with, Circus Pandemonium, their first studio album in eight years, announce the release of a new live DVD. – scheduled for release on 1st April 2016.

Trifles & Pandemonium will be a two disc DVD containing a full live show (18 songs) – plus documentaries, making of, tributes and interviews from the past.

06/02/16: Rock In Opposition Festival IX

The ninth edition of the Rock In Opposition Festival will be held from 16-18 September 2016 at Cap’Découverte, 81450 Le Garric, Midi-Pyrenees, France.

05/02/16: Jump to release new studio album in April

Jump reveal to Prog details of their thirteenth studio album, Over The Top, scheduled for release in April 2016.

Over The Top will contain 10 tracks and frontman John Dexter Jones says the material will be more rock focused than their previous release.

He says: “Our last album The Black Pilgrim was predominantly an acoustic affair. While those instruments occasionally still came to hand during these sessions, it’s fair to say that the electric guitars and keyboards came in for rather more attention this time. We’re very happy with the outcome.”

05/02/16: Daevid Allen’s final album to be released

The final album from Daevid Allen with the Weird Quartet will be released on 12 February 2016. As might be expected Elevenses combines an eclectic mixture of styles including a blues ditty in 7/4, an Irish tinged folk song, post-punk and weird and a selection of wonderful instrumentals. The album also includes a final message from Daevid.

“Pretending 2 Run” is an ambitious and richly crafted song cycle spinning the tale of a man blindsided and disillusioned by betrayal. Brooding and expressive, T I L E S explores the dark subject matter by blending stylistically diverse musical elements. Lyrical string arrangements, haunting choir performances, ambient textures and lush vocals co-exist with thundering drums, weaving bass lines and an army of guitars to create a vivid experience that delivers the story’s emotional journey from isolation to redemption.”

04/02/16: Camel reveal Peter Jones as keyboard player for Japanese mini-tour

Camel have confirmed that multi-instrumentalist, Peter Jones (Tiger Moth Tales), will take on the keyboard duties for their mini-tour of Japan and performance at the Hibiya Outdoor Theatre (Tokyo) at this year’s Progressive Rock Fes.

“It gives us enormous pleasure to announce that the 2016 Camel tour in Japan will mark the debut of keyboard maestro, Pete Jones. Recently lauded by Prog magazine as a name to watch this year for his Tiger Moth Tales project, Pete has been building a reputation as a multi-talented performer across the genres for over a decade, from the X-Factor finals to his solo appearances showcasing his own compositions with his fluid playing on keyboards, guitar, saxophone and expressive vocals.”

Peter commented: “It gives me great pleasure, not to mention some disbelief, to announce that I will be playing keyboards for Camel on a mini tour of Japan in may. This will include a performance at Progressive Rok Fes* in Tokyo on the same bill as Steve Hackett.”

03/02/16: Nad Sylvan releases Where The Martyr Carved His Name video

Nad Sylvan releases Where The Martyr Carved His Name video taken from last year’s well received solo album. Courting The Widow featured guest performances from Steve Hackett, Nick Beggs, Roger King, Roine Stolt and Jonas Reingold.

Nad Sylvan commented: “The most interesting aspect of prog-rock, is that you’re never safe. Not musically or lyrically. This is where funk, soul, rock, symphony and musical get new life in the prog melting pot.”

02/02/16: David Gilmour announces further eleven European dates

Eleven additional shows were announced this morning as part of David Gilmour’s 2016 Rattle That Lock tour, all taking place in mainland Europe.

Tickets for the newly announced shows, as well as the Stuttgart show which was revealed yesterday, go on sale at 10am CET (Central European Time) on Friday (February 5th). Full information including the relevant links to the ticket agencies, as well as (in some cases) telephone booking lines, will be found on the individual show pages which are found in the David Gilmour 2016 Tour zone.

The tour concludes with four previously announced shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, in September – visit the TPA UK Gig Guide.